The Critic Corner

The AP reports:

Billy Crystal's "mahvelous" time with the New York Yankees is over. The team released the actor on his 60th birthday, one day after he struck out in his only at-bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The announcement came at the bottom of the second page in Friday's game notes. Under transactions, it said "March 14 Released INF Billy Crystal."The team gave Crystal, a longtime Yankees' fan, the opportunity to be the designated hitter and lead off in the first inning Thursday because of his ambassador-like role for baseball.